[LIBJOBS] Science Librarian position, Amherst College (MA)

Amherst College seeks a Science Librarian: https://jobs.amherst.edu/view/opportunity/id/435

 

The Science Librarian teaches in the library’s program of course-integrated research instruction and does outreach to faculty, students, and departments in the sciences; serves as subject librarian for Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Geology, Mathematics, Neuroscience, and Physics, acting as research instructor, liaison, and selector; administers the Science Library; and provides reference service and guides library users in identifying, retrieving, and evaluating information in all formats. 

 

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Creates and delivers instruction in disciplinary research and using academic information in a variety of settings; works to continually hone skills as a teacher and to incorporate appropriate technology into all contexts.

• Administers the Science Library: provides leadership in planning for services and policies; works closely with the Science Library Specialist, who is responsible for day-to-day functioning of student workers, circulation, and reserves, and the Head of Access Services; works with other Library departments as necessary to ensure excellent service.

• Serves as subject specialist and liaison to academic departments in the sciences: provides in-depth consultations about resources; develops and manages relevant collections in all formats; promotes library services to faculty; and stays informed about issues and needs in scientific research and e-science.

• Provides general reference service in the main Robert Frost Library.

• Incorporates emerging information technologies and trends in scholarly communication; anticipates and facilitates changes in and new uses of resources in response to evolving patterns of publishing and information dissemination.

• Actively participates in outreach activities, committees, and work groups of the Library, the College, Five Colleges, and at regional and national organizations.

• Demonstrates and facilitates effective communication throughout the Library and across the College.

 

Qualifications

• A history of stellar teaching; a commitment to undergraduates and undergraduate education; and a record of rapport and collaboration with faculty on assignments, course design, and pedagogical strategies.

• Experience in an academic library or research institution with a focus on teaching, resource selection, and other public services.

• Master’s degree from a program accredited by the American Library Association or foreign equivalent.

• Strong academic background or experience; additional master’s degree or undergraduate degree in the sciences preferred.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills; ability to advocate for the Library to a variety of constituents.

• Commitment to cooperate closely with colleagues, undergraduates, faculty, staff, and college administrators.

• Willingness to tackle challenges in an academic library with energy and enthusiasm, showing patience, tact, and good humor in providing user-focused public service.

• Commitment to further the College’s mission of diversity and inclusion.

 

Amherst has taken a leadership role among highly selective liberal-arts colleges and universities in successfully diversifying the racial, socioeconomic, and geographic profile of its student body. The College is similarly committed to enriching its educational experience and its culture through the diversity of its faculty, administration, and staff.

 

Susan J. Kimball

Head of Access Services

Amherst College Library

Amherst, MA

413-542-2663